An Australian organic clothing company named after the witchetty grub has launched its first range of men’s garments to complement its line of ethical, ‘wear-anywhere’ fashion.

Founded in 2011 by designer Banika Smee, the Witjuti label specialises in the design and manufacture of bamboo clothing which is natural, eco-friendly, hypo allergenic and stylish enough to wear anywhere – travelling included! The light-weight clothing packs easily into a suitcase and is comfortable when sitting on a plane. Bamboo fabric is also wrinkle resistant – ideal for men who dislike ironing!

“Bamboo fabric is softer and more breathable than cotton,” explains Banika. “It’s as though you’re wearing silk or cashmere. “Because bamboo is kind to the skin, eczema sufferers or those with sensitive skin can wear the garments without any problems,” she says.

“My husband saw the women’s Witjuti range and asked where his own comfy bamboo clothing was so with his help and advice we have now released a men’s range as well which we think will appeal to fashionable guys looking for something distinctive, stylish and flexible to wear as well as very affordable.”

Embracing Banika’s passion for comfortable, flexible and stylish clothing, the new Witjuti men’s range includes a hoodie top – $79.95, shorts – $59.95, lounge/yoga pants – $79.95 and a V-neck t-shirt – $59.95 – all of which can be worn around the home like PJs and also to the local coffee shop, gym and footy match without needing to get changed. Future plans for Witjuti include an underwear range and an expansion in colours.

Ms Smee said bamboo fabric boasted many benefits: “Bamboo is amazing. It’s anti-bacterial, non-itchy, offers anti-odour properties, is free of pesticides and herbicides and is thermo-regulating year-round, making it warm in winter and cool in summer. And bamboo is also 100 per cent biodegradable, so bamboo garments can be composted.”

She said the certified organic, high-quality bamboo used for her clothing range was sourced from the Sichuan province in south-west China where the clothes are also manufactured based on designs made in Australia. “Bamboo is native to China and it’s a very ‘green’ plant because it is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, requires no irrigation, can be harvested in just three years, absorbs 35 per cent more carbon dioxide than other trees, inhibits soil erosion and is totally biodegradable so it appeals to people who support ethical fashion and environmental sustainability,” Banika says.

The nature-themed Witjuti brand was named after and inspired by the Australian native witchetty grub – a symbol of natural Australia.

In Sydney, Witjuti clothing, including the new men’s range, is available from the SMFA Fashion Gallery, 3 Knox St, Double Bay, Ph 02 9690 1088. Witjuti’s entire range is also available for purchase at www.witjuti.com or call Witjuti on 1300 723 066.